Heart of the Auburn Wolf

Prologue

POV: Narrator

Under a cloudy, full moon night, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Freya's little brother, Aiden, came into the world. The whole pack was out celebrating the birth of the renowned Alpha Tommen Havran's son, heir-to-be to the Raven Moon Pack. Little did they know that, at that very moment, on the outskirts of the pack near the border, Freya was experiencing her first shift. Naturally so, since a werewolf's first transformation is supposed to happen on one's 18th birthday, when both their soul and physical body are prepared for the agony. The first shift of a werewolf is notorious for its intensity, as the pain of your bones breaking and rearranging themselves eclipses any torment one could imagine. So, the echoes of Freya's anguished screams carried through the air, reaching into the night, attracting the attention of the only two patrols that were on duty in the area, as the rest of the pack was celebrating.

Yet, when the patrolling werewolves finally reached the scene, an eerie silence greeted them. The echoes of Freya's agonizing screams had faded, and in her stead stood an Alpha-sized wolf, adorned with a coat of auburn hues. The wolf's breath, labored and ragged, hung visibly in the crisp air.

As the moonlight peaked through the clouds and shone upon the wolf's fur, a surge of trepidation surged through the patrolling pack members. In an urgent and desperate mind-link, they relayed the distressing message to their Alpha:

"Alpha, we're at the northern border. Freya...uh, she has shifted, but her wolf, AARGH"

However, before the patrolling werewolves could finish their plea, their words were abruptly severed. Alpha Tommen, cradling his newborn son in his arms, was startled by the urgent message. A flicker of frustration clouded the Alpha's expression as he recognized that his weak and good-for-nothing daughter would ruin even this wondrous occasion. Without hesitation, he gently passed Aiden into the waiting embrace of his mother, conveying an unspoken reassurance.

A flicker of understanding passed between Alpha Tommen and his trusted Alpha Unit, comprising his loyal Beta and Gamma, and, in perfect synchronization, they swiftly treaded to exit the room.

Alpha Tommen's mate, Luna Revna, despite the pains of the birth, could not help but be concerned for her mate's sudden change in behavior.

"Tommen, what's happening?" Revna's voice trembled with worry as she observed the deep lines of concern etched upon her mate's face.

"I believe Freya has shifted prematurely, and there's trouble. I must go and assess the situation. You should stay here," Tommen responded, his tone laced with urgency.

"What? But she's only 14! I'm coming with you." Revna's determination flared as she defiantly declared her intent to accompany him.

Tommen's gaze locked with Revna's, his voice carrying an air of authority as he emphasized each word, "Revna, you must stay here." His intention was clear: he wanted Revna to remain in the safety of the nursery, to focus on her own healing and well-being. Yet, as the words left his lips, he knew that keeping Revna away when it came to Freya was an impossible task. He should know, because he had witnessed her relentless efforts to compensate for his past shortcomings as a father.

The three werewolves swiftly shifted into their sleek black wolves as soon as they left the pack's hospital, racing with purpose toward the northern border. With every step, the pungent scent of blood grew stronger, confirming their proximity to the grim scene that awaited them. They knew they had arrived at the scene when they saw a wolf towering in stature, almost matching the size of Stark, Tommen’s wolf form. The harrowing sight of two lifeless bodies torn to shreds surrounded them. The wolf in front of them, drenched in the blood of their fallen pack members, also took notice of their presence and turned to them, growling lowly, its fur standing on end in a display of defiance.

Reacting instinctively, Tommen's Beta positioned himself in front of his Alpha, mirroring the growl emanating from the blood-soaked wolf.

"Stark, is that Freya?" Tommen inquired of his wolf. The familiar scent mingled with an unsettling aura. The wolf before them bore Freya's scent, but something was amiss—its coloration seemed off, unnatural.

However, Stark was already too enraged to answer. This wolf had killed his men and displayed clear signs of aggression toward him, an Alpha. This kind of behavior might just as well be a direct challenge for wolves.

"Erik, Lorik, step back. I will handle her." Stark spat at his Alpha Unit, as he propelled himself forward, a swift sprint towards the auburn wolf who stood as a peril to the pack. In his mind, there was no doubt about the threat this wolf posed, and Stark's main focus was clearly to eliminate it. As Stark closed in on the wolf, he recognized signs of immaturity in its actions. The recent shift and the sluggishness of its reflexes betrayed its inexperience. Seizing the opportunity, Stark aimed his attack directly at the wolf's vulnerable neck, sinking his teeth into it. The impact sent both wolves tumbling across the ground, their bodies rolling several meters before coming to an abrupt halt. Undeterred by the struggle, Stark maintained his grasp on the wolf's neck, despite its desperate attempts to claw him away. Even when confronted with overwhelming force, the teenage wolf refused to submit.

An Alpha had to protect its pack, and a father must make difficult decisions. Yet, amidst the intensity of the confrontation, a sudden cry pierced through the air, resonating among the trees. The cry of a baby, cutting through the chaos, brought a momentary pause to the conflict.

"Tommen! Tommen!! Please, stop!" cried Revna, her voice trembling with desperation as she rushed forward, cradling the baby against her chest, wrapped in a protective duvet.

Seizing the opportunity presented by the distraction, the auburn wolf used its hind legs to forcefully push Stark off, successfully freeing itself from his grip. However, instead of rising to its feet, the wolf shifted into the unconscious and vulnerable form of Freya.

Revna swiftly moved to her daughter's side, her maternal instincts urging her to check for any signs of injury. Though Stark's bite should have left a visible mark on Freya's neck, there was no wound to be found. With a determined stance, Revna positioned herself between her daughter and the still-growling Stark, a shield of protection.

"Revna, I will say this only once. Step aside," Tommen conveyed through a mind-link, his tone firm as Stark stepped forward. At that moment, his words carried the weight of their responsibilities, surpassing the bounds of their bond. He loved Revna dearly and acknowledged her strength as their Luna, but his duties as Alpha and protector demanded a difficult choice.

"She's your daughter, for Goddess's sake!" Revna's voice rang out, filled with desperation and anguish.

"Not anymore. She killed two pack members. We must abide by the law," Stark responded, his voice low and resolute.

Despite the pain inflicted by her mate's words through their Mate Bond, Revna persisted, her voice trembling with hope:

"We can find a way to fix this. It will never happen again. She... She didn't know! If all else fails, we can suppress her wolf."

But Stark took another step forward, his posture becoming more dominant, his fangs bared and tail raised.

In response to the clear threat directed at her daughter, Revna's eyes darkened, turning black as her own wolf emerged, ready to protect and defend her child.

"I'll never forgive you if you do this, Mate." Revna's voice resonated with a deep, threatening tone, filled with implications and finality. Her words hung in the air, leaving no room for negotiation or compromise.

This phrase seemed to hurt Stark, as the black wolf stopped in its tracks. Stark conceded control back to Tommen, shifting back to his human form. Alpha Tommen's gaze shifted between his mate and their daughter, grappling with the weight of his decision. Eventually, he turned to face Erik and Lorik, his Unit, who had also shifted back to their human forms. Tommen, disregarding his nudity, as werewolves were not pudic creatures, approached his trusted men with a heavy sigh. Then, he issued his orders:

"All you will know of tonight's events is that a highly violent rogue trespassed our northern border and managed to kill two of our patrolling werewolves. We have taken care of the rogue. Is that understood?" Tommen's voice carried authority and commanded attention.

Erik and Lorik both nodded in acknowledgment.

"Good," Tommen continued, his tone unwavering. "Lorik, tend to my mate and my son. Erik, carry Freya's body to the dungeons and secure her with silver cuffs. Tomorrow morning, I will contact the witch to see if there's any possibility of resolving this... situation."

The Beta and Gamma exchanged glances but didn't question their Alpha's orders. They promptly set about their assigned tasks.

Without looking back at his mate, Tommen turned and began making his way back home, the weight of the night's events heavy on his shoulders. Aiden's cries pierced the night air, a stark reminder of the fragile balance between duty and family.